So how was it for you?

Editor Neil Martin asked some companies what they thought of VISION 2016.

The PR to one side for a moment, the overall impression of VISION was that it was a success for most exhibitors. It was obvious to the even casual observer that stands were busy – reflecting the record numbers announced by the organisers. Only a handful of stands looked quiet and the reaction – on the day – was that this was one of the best shows yet.

Success is measured in many ways of course. For some companies, trade fairs are a chance to catch up with existing customers, as well as capture new ones. For others, it’s purely down to lead generation and success is judged by how many new customers are gained in the following months. Asking around, most companies see the fair as both an opportunity to meet and greet existing customers, as well fly the flag for new ones.

EVT

Margarita Palmer of EVT Eye Vision Technology reported back that the show had been very successful for them. Highlight was the interest in their newly developed hardware, as well as the new software features. In particular, the 3D commands for Pin-Inspection with the laser line sensor and the volume measurement with the Time-of-Flight sensor.

As for how VISION could be improved, Palmer said: “For us it would be better to have the VISION every year.” And, naturally, they intend to attend in 2018.

Pleora

Niall Bolster, sales manager for Europe with Pleora, was another executive to highlight how busy the show was.

He said: “Yes, the show was much busier than we had anticipated, or had seen in previous years. We launched our NBASE-T embedded video interface in advance of the show, and there was significant interest in the technology leading to numerous discussions with imaging device manufacturers. We also hosted a technology session at VISION. In addition, our technology was demonstrated in e2v’s new cameras, and our German channel partner Rauscher also demonstrated NBASE-T. There was a lot of excitement around our NBASE-T technology – traffic at the booth was sometimes overwhelming. Other companies discussing NBASE-T really helped validate that this is a solution that meets bandwidth and cost requirements for the vision market.

“We had numerous in-depth discussions with potential customers and existing customers, and there was a consistently positive outlook on the future of the vision industry. There was also a lot of focus on higher bandwidth solutions versus previous VISION shows, which highlights a future direction for the industry.”

As for improvements, Bolster said: “It could potentially be a two-day event. Day 3 was much quieter, though it gave us some time to browse the show floor. There are a lot of events scheduled during the show, and we found it hard to make time to attend some of the sessions. One thing that may be useful for exhibitors is a presentation area that could be booked to host audio sessions, versus trying to host these sessions in booth space.”

As for 2018: “Yes, it’s an important show for the vision industry and Pleora. In just a few days we can meet with a wide base of potential customers and existing customers. It’s also a very good opportunity to quickly survey new technologies in the vision market, and learn where others are seeing growth potential.”

MVTec

Dr Olaf Munkelt, co-founder and Managing Director of MVTec Software, declared the show as the most successful for the company, and they’ve been attending for 18 years. They saw a lot of interest for the new major release of HALCON 13.

Munkelt said: “More visitors than ever took the opportunity to inform themselves about current machine vision trends and market-ready solutions for Embedded Vision, Industrial Internet of Things, Easy-to-use texture inspection as well as the capabilities of 3D vision or new technologies like deep learning at the MVTec booth.”

As for how the show could be improved, he suggested: “Guided tours with focus on specific topics like Embedded Vision, MV software, Industrial Internet of Things etc. could be a benefit for the visitors. Plus, Electronica trade fair taking part at the same time in Munich meant a limited attendance of journalists.”

As for 2018: “Yes, of course. It will be our 19th attendance and we are looking forward to it.”

The Crowley Company

Director of Communications at The Crowley Company Cheri Baker said: “We were pleased with the traffic and the interest shown in the MACHCAM 71MP. The attendees were knowledgeable and product-focused, which led to some good conversations allowing us to both share and learn. We’re looking forward to a return visit in 2018 and to building on the many relationships which were started in Stuttgart.”

Imperx

Imperx reported back that VISION was a tremendous success: “The ability to present our products via face to face with end users who need the expertise and quality that Imperx offers. Demonstrating the features sets and abilities of our cameras and forming a relationship with our end users. Letting our customer base know that the Imperx team loves nothing more than solving their most challenging imaging objectives and overcome any issues together. That is what Imperx does best.”

Matrox Imaging

Director of sales and marketing at Matrox Imaging Sam Lopez gave his views: “VISION far exceeded our expectations in a number of ways. Firstly, attendance was excellent, our best ever. Even with a large number of staff on hand, we were busier than we have ever been.

“With many new products on display we saw a large deal of interest, and we spoke with many interested existing clients alongside potential customers. In this business, it takes a while to convert a lead into a customer but we feel there were lots of good opportunities.

“Simply by traffic and the excitement generated, yes, we feel the show was extremely successful.” As for his highlights, Lopez said: “This was a big show for us in terms of product announcements.

“This year we set up a theater for live demos of software and product presentations. We went into the show with 5 seats, expecting small groups of interested persons. For every presentation we had crowds standing in the aisles.”

As for how VISION might be improved: “VISION is one of the shows that’s done really well by giving clients exactly what they expect, and not diluting the scope of the show by bringing in new industries or irrelevant information. It’s a very focused show with the most important players in machine vision being highlighted. Everyone knows what the trade show is about.

“Not an improvement, but a continuation of what they’re already doing, VISION needs to continue to promote the industry in Europe and internationally. Part of how they could accomplish this is to place more effort in including Asia and the Americas.” And do they intend to go back: “Absolutely, we wouldn’t miss it.”

Basler

Basler said regarding VISION: “We are very pleased with the results. Of course, we would like to see an increasing number of overall visitors in order to meet new potential customers, ideally from different industries.”

Regarding highlights: “The 3D/Time-of-Flight topic as well as the new Embedded Vision technology were the biggest attractions at our booth. We are very excited to already offer ready-to-go products for these two hot industry trends and happy to help users in getting started with these technologies to improve their performance.”

As for how the show could be improved: “We would like to see more visitors from other industries than the classic factory field to be able to present vision technology benefits to further potential users. We therefore really appreciate the tradeshow’s efforts in getting new industries and applications to the show.”

And will they be back: “The VISION Stuttgart is one of the main shows and yes, we currently plan to attend in 2018.”